The recently reinstated Solid Waste Committee met Friday to discuss the city’s contract with Waste Management, set to expire later this year.

Committee members identified three key changes they want to consider including in a new contract.

The first is the establishment of a local contact number for residents with customer service questions. Currently, Waste Management does not have a local phone number for Russellville residents to call.

Second, would be the ability for customers to request extra trash pickup for special occasions, such as birthday parties. Residents would be able to call the trash service provider and request extra trash pickup for a small fee.

Currently, Waste Management’s contract requires them to pick up all trash, even that which is outside the designated containers, only on the first pickup day after Christmas and Fourth of July. The third item identified by the committee is the possibility of smaller trash containers for residents who do not need as much space as is provided by the larger bins.

Committee members also discussed whether to renew the existing contract with Waste Management or put the contract to bid.

“I almost think we ought to bid it, just because of the size of the contract,” Alderman Martin Irwin said.

While Mayor Bill Eaton said he was concerned about “startup woes” if the contract were to change hands, he said he was open to putting the contract to bid.